‘Widespread And Systemic Failures’ Cited In Cigna Medicare Advantage Suspension
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said Cigna did not handle complaints and grievances from patients properly. The suspension will not affect those already enrolled. In other news on Medicare Advantage, a new study looks at CMS's cost predictions.
The Wall Street Journal:
Cigna Faces Halt In Medicare Advantage Enrollment
Cigna Corp. said Friday that enrollment into its Medicare Advantage and prescription-drug plans has been halted by the government, posing a challenge to the insurer as it aims to wind up its acquisition by Anthem Inc. In a letter to Cigna, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said it imposed the sanctions because of problems with the insurer’s coverage-appeals process, among other issues, and the agency cited a “longstanding history of noncompliance” with requirements. Connecticut-based Cigna was also blocked as of 11:59 p.m. EST Thursday from marketing its Medicare plans. (Wilde Mathews, 1/22)